Do you ever wish to visit one of the best trails in the Western United States? Pack up, and we’ll go to the Trail of The Coeur d’Alenes.
How to Get to The Trail of The Coeur d’Alenes
If you wish to complete the trail from end to end, you can begin at either 2nd Street Mullan, Idaho, or Anne Antlelop Avenue Plummer, Idaho.
With the length of this course, you’ll pass by several trailheads like Indian Trails, Springston Trailhead, Bullrun Trailhead, and more. There’s no need to travel on air or sea to get to these spots.
All you need is to have your cars parked on the trailheads, and you can finally begin your hike.
About Trail of The Coeur d’Alenes
The Trail of The Coeur d’Alenes is a 73-mile journey winding through the chains lake region and Silver Valley and runs along the famous Coeur d’Alene Lake.
This course has at least half of it going along I-90 and Coeur d’Alene River, and I think this factor makes this spot more convenient for sojourners to navigate.
Designed to entice hundreds and thousands of hikers and trailers, the Trail of The Coeur d’Alenes offers a dozen activities to enjoy. Whether going alone, with friends, or with your families, you won’t regret visiting this heritage trail.
More fun things to do in Coeur d’Alene:
One of the activities you can do there is a bike ride from Washington to Spokane. But don’t worry if you don’t have a cycle. You can run, walk, jog, skate, and hike with the diversity the trail offers you.
Not only do you get to enjoy much physical activity on this trail. You also have the option to witness domestic and rare wildlife in birds, moose, elk, and more. What’s better is you can see how these species thrive in such a rich place as this.
If you’re up for staying long or overnight, the trail also comes with campsites and benches. You can set up your camps or take a bar to relax all day. With all these, you’ll always find a way to maximize your visit on this trail.
History of The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
Perhaps, you’ll have more urge to visit this place to know how it became a historic site.
The Trail of The Coeur d’Alenes is a product of the dark days of the Idaho mining era around 1884. While this place was rich with elements like Silver, lead, and zinc, contamination became one of the issues of the trail.
In 1888, a rail line went on the rise to serve as more convenient access to the mines. The rail contained wastage from the mining activities, and with spillage from the trains, the railbed ended up intoxicated. Good thing that the US Government, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the State of Idaho have decided to cap the contaminated rail with gravel and asphalt to prevent the spread of the toxins.
Trail Map
In 1909, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad completed their route interchange with the UP at Plummer. From 1981 to 1991, changes in the trail’s ownership took place. The NP Successor Burlington Northern sold a part of its line to UP, who later decided to abandon the site legally.
Eventually, the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council sought legal actions to have the trail cleaned. The lawsuit escalated, and the UP, the State of Idaho, and the Environmental Protection Agency moved with a $30 million budget for the rail bed’s cleanup.
Where it is
While the trail is long enough to hug several regions of North Idaho, USA, the best way to navigate it is by locking in on the Plummer and Mullan trailheads.
These are the two start and end points of the trail. And looking at the map, you’ll see some famous landmarks of the state. These spots are not only scenic, but they will also help you identify your appropriate location.
Final Takeaways
Experiencing the Trail of The Coeur d’Alenes is one for the books. It does not only offer excitement, fun, and bonding, but it also shows vast movements taken by the authorities for the environment and heritage preservation.
If you have all the means to access this place, try not to miss the chance. It’s long, simple, and rich with interesting things you want to know. And, if you own a home or rental property in the area, we can manage it for you!
Cheers